Release mechanism for aeroplane flotation devices



Am] 2%, Wm, Wm wwwm" RELEASE MECHANISM FOR AEROPLANE FLOTATION DEVICES Original Filed June 12. 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 RELEASE MECHANISM FOR AEROPLANE FLOTATION DEVICES Original Filed June 12. 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 TIT Fltfl'llA'llllhbl lllihWlliUlEfl Daniel Manes, lUpper ll/liontclair, hi. it, assignor to Walter litidde & tflompany, N. F, a corporation oil New Application dune 12, rear, Serial line, New For-h, "ltorh a. matte Renewed April A, 11933 32 (Ulla.

The present invention relates to devices for utilizing a gas pressure to serve desired purposes and embodies, more specifically, an improved mechanism for utilizing a gas under pressure to inflate equipment designed primarily to serve as a flotation means for aeroplanes. More specifically, the invention embodies an improved device by means of which a source of a suitable fluid is maintained under pressure and released upon a desired manipulation to'inflate flotation equipment upon an aeroplane, the releasing mechanism being such as to facilitate the actuation of the device and insure proper operation thereof.

Although the invention will be described in connection with a device for inflating aeroplane flotation equipment, it will be readily seen that the mechanism is well adapted for use in connection with the release and distribution of a fire extinguishing medium. The importance of providing a system, the proper actuation of which is absolutely insured upon a desired initiation, will be readily apparent, in view of the fact that the equipment described specifically herein is designed for use in connection with aeroplanes. Where the mechanism is used in connection with an aeroplane flotation equipment, it is highly important that the flotation bags remain uninfiated while the aeroplane is in flight. If such bags were accidentally inflated, the plane would, in all probability, fall due to the enormous resistance offered by the inflated bags to the flight of the plane. On the other hand it is equally as important that the bags be inflated when the necessity therefor arises, to preserve the lives of the occupants of the plane as well as the plane itself.

An object of the invention, accordingly, is to provide a system by means of which a gas maintained under a suitable pressure may be released to eflect a desired condition upon a predetermined manipulation.

A further object of the invention is toprovide a system of the above character in which the releasing mechanism is provided with a device by means of which its actuation may be indicated.

A further object of the invention is to provide an indicating means of the above character by means of which. an accidental operation of the system may be indicated.

A further object of the invention is to provide an indicating means for systems of the above character, such indicating means being capable of being reset only after a predetermined operation,

thus insuring the reconditioning of the apparatus after it has once been actuated.

- A further object of the invention is to provide ((Ell. 2441-2) an indicating device which is moved to an indicating position in which it is locked.

A further object of the invention is to provide a distribution system for a gas under pressure, the system being provided with a releasing mecha-v 5. nism and a safety or indicating mechanism by means of which the medium is diverted from the distribution system when it is released accidentally, but directed through the distribution system when it is intentionally released. 10

A further object of the invention is to provide release mechanism for flotation mechanism for aeroplanes which may be efiectively operated upon the initiation of a predetermined actuation.

A further object or the invention is to provide 15 release mechanism for flotation devices of the above character which is operated by a medium under pressure, the accidental inflation of the flotation device being prevented by means of a mechanism which indicates the condition of the 20 system.

Further objects, not specifically enumerated above, will be apparent as the invention is described in greater detail in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a view in section, taken on line ll il of Figure 3, and looking in the direction of the arrows, this view showing the releasing valve and indicating mechanism constructed in accordance with the present-invention.

Figure 2 is a section along line 2-2, Fig. 1 showing the mechanism of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation, showing the mechanism of Figure 1.

Figure d is a view in section, taken through the 35 locking device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view in section, taken through the piston bag release.

Figure 6 is a view in end elevation, piston bag release of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a View in section, showing a. modifled form of indicator.

Referring to the above drawings,

,is indicated at H, being provided sides of the fuselage with flotation bags j which are normally maintained in the envelopes indicated at l These flotation bags are normally defiated and retained within the envelope by means of wires 2 which pass through ringlets t to maintain the lid of each envelope closed. In order that the flotation bags may be secured eflectively to the plane, rope loops j are secured to the bags and passed through yolres i which are secured to the fuselage oi the 'plane. The yokes may be removably secured by providing brackets 1 upon showing the an aeroplane upon opposite the plane and securing yokes thereto by means of pins f*. The envelope l is provided with. flaps f for the purpose described hereinafter. A cable or rod t operates all of the wires to disengage the ringlets 3, thus enabling the envelope to be opened. When a flotation bag is inflated by compressed air or carbon dioxide, the bag expands and frees itself from the envelope, the lid permitting it to assume its inflated position. For the purpose of expanding the flotation bags, conduits 5 are connected to the respective bags and to a manifold supply from a container 6.

A releasing mechanism '5, described in detail hereinafter, is actuated by a handle which is connected to the device by a flexible cable a passing over a pulley iii. Upon release of the medium. within the container, it passes through a pipe line Ill into one end of a piston bag release Ed (described in detail hereinafter) thus driving the piston toward the right, and disengaging the wires 2 from the ringlets When the piston in the piston bag release it? reaches the end of its stroke, the medium escapes through a. connection 63, a check valve M and connection 5 into the flotation bag, thus causing it to expand in accordance with the pressure of the medium. During the inflation of the bag, the flap of the envelope containing such bag, lifts to permit the free inflation of the bag. By providing checls valves as indicated at M, the medium which has expanded into the flotation bags is prevented from escaping therefrom, continued passage of the medium. into the bags being freely permitted.

With particular reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the releasing device for the medium in the container 6 will be seen to include a closure body It and bonnet It. The closure body is threaded into the top of the container 6 and is provided with a frangible disc l5, secured in position by a nut l5". Within the nut, a cutter 22 is movable, this cutter being of well known form and constituting no part of the present invention.

The bonnet is provided with threads l8} which engage cooperating threads formed on the closure body IS. A pulley case I3 is secured to the honnet by a nut 20, as well as by a. set screw 2i. Obviously, prior to tightening the set screw 2i the pulley case is freely rotatable upon bonnet Hi. In this fashion the pulley case can be initially adjusted rotatably and the securing means 2| then applied. The hollow tubularcutter 22 is part of a spindle and cutter assembly including a spindle 23 and a coupling nut 24. The spindle and cutter assembly is threaded for engagement with corresponding threads 25 in the bonnet l6 and a squared recess is provided in the upper part of the spindle for engaging a squared section on the lower end of a stem 26. The normal or inoperative position of the spindle and cutter is as shown in Figure 1, the spindle bearing against a shoulder 21 upon the stem 2d, and the shoulder bearing against the bonnet nut 20.

With the spindle and cutter assembly in their uppermost positions, a pulley 23 is secured to the stem 26 by means of a set screw 23. The threads of this screw are tapped at the time the parts are assembled and in their correct relationship. An actuating cable is shown at 30, 9. lug 3| being formed on the pulley case IS and provided with a suitable channel through which the cable passes. Pulley 2E is formed with a peripheral groove within which the cable 30 normally lies, the groove being formed preferably so that the cable may be turned under a cable clamp 32 and secured by means of a. screw 33.

aoeaoia It will be apparent from the foregoing, that when the cable is pulled, the rotation of the pulley will cause a corresponding turning of the stem 26, thus causing the spindle 23 and cutter 22 to be advanced, the cutter rupturing the frangible disc 85' and permitting the escape of the medium in the container 6. The spindle 23 moves away from the stem 26, the squared connection therebetween permitting the relative axial movement between these elements.

An outlet 34 is formed in the bonnet l6 and the escaping medium passes from the bonnet at this point. Shoulder 27, being seated against nut 20 renders the joint gas tight. To provide the desired indication of the condition of the apparatus described herein, an indicator is included, this indicator comprising a body 35 into the upper end of which is threaded a piston guide nut 36. Plate 37? is secured to the upper side of the body, over the nut 36, and is provided with a hole 33 through which the stem of piston 40 may pass. This stem is provided with a flat side to engage the iiat side of the hole 38, thus preventing rotation of the stem and piston.

Within the piston, passages 4i and 42 are formed, these passages communicating between outlet 3% and the interior of the indicator body 35. Upon the upper end of the piston stem is provided a ball and socket foot 43, this foot passing through an aperture 44 in the pulley case IS. The vertical position of the ball and socket foot is adjusted so that the ball just rests against the underside of pulley 28. This under portion of the pulley is formed with a sloping cam face 49,

thus causing rotation of the pulley 28 to move the ball and socket foot axially with respect to the indicator housing 35.

Beneath the piston 40 is an indicator 45, a spring 46 and a cap 41 being provided to maintain the indicator normally against the piston 40. It is preferred that the cap be soldered in position. The lower end of the indicator is preferably painted red or may be formed with any other suitable warning indicia. to indicate that the apparatus has been operated either intentionally or accidentally. In order that the lower end of the indicator may be visible, the body 35 is formed with openings 48 in the circumference thereof. Communicating with the indicator body 35 is an outlet 53 which is connected to the pipe leading to the flotation bags or to other distribution points.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the intentional release of the pressure medium is accomplished by pulling upon the cable 30, thus advancing cutter 22 into the frangible disc I as described above. The released medium escapes through outlet 34 and enters the indicator body 35. Simultaneously, with the advance of the cutter 22, the cam surface 49 engages the ball foot 43 to move the piston 40 downwardly within the indicator body 35. As the medium escapes from the container, the passage 4| passes below the inlet to the indicator body and the outlet 59 communicates with outlet 34. In thismanner, the medium passes into the distribution, system and the indicator is moved to its engaging position, thus denoting the fact that a new container must be supplied to recondition the apparatus. In the event that the pressure of the medium withinthe container 6 should become dangerpusly high, and the frangible disc [5 ruptured accidentally, the medium escapes through the outlet 34 and passes through passages 4| and 42. The main portion of the piston 40 prevents comaoaaom through openings it after passing through such aperture. By reason of the flaring of the passage d, sufficient pressure is developed on the Ill) Gal

upper surface of the indicator to force it into its lowermost or indicating position.

In order that the indicator may be positively retained in an indicating position until the apparatus is taken apart, a rounded groove it" is formed circumferentially of the indicator t5 and adjacent the median plane thereof. A parallel groove dd' is provided with angular corners to be engaged by a catch or detent ti which slides overthe smooth surface of groove lb", but engages positively against the shoulders of the groove lt. Thus when the indicator reaches its lowermost position the catch snaps into the groove lt' and holds the indicator in its indicating position. A catch button is shown at at and is formed with a cylinder within which the catch ti slides. Spring tit normally urges the detent 5i outwardly against the grooves described above while spring b5 normally urges the button against the end of the spring housing tit, as shown in Figure 4. Button lit thus is engaged by the threads on the closure body it and is forced into the position shown in Figure 1. In order to assemble the unit, the catch assembly and catch engaging spring 5% are passed from the left through a hole 55 formed in the bonnet. This is done after the indicator body assembly has been secured to the bonnet, iii, in an obvious'fashion. When the spring housing E l is seated against the indicator housing it may be soldered or other wise secured thereto at one or a plurality of points bl, as indicated in Figure 4.

After the pressure medium has been released either intentionally or accidenta ly with the result that the indicator has been driven to its low-' ermost position and the catch till engages the groove M5", the catch will hold the indicator in such position until such time as the bonnet it is removed from the disc body. At this time, the

catch is withdrawn from the aforementioned groove and the indicator may be moved to its normal position as shown in Figure l. The taking down of the mechanism in the manner described is, of course, necessary in substituting a charged container for an empty container.

With further reference to the piston bag release shown in Figure 5, the cylinder it is provided with a nut till, within which rod bl is slid- -ably mounted. Packing nut 62 and packing it An aperture fit is formed in the right hand ex tremity of cylinder it in which a standard oil cup lid is received, the cup being provided with a spring pressed detent ill to prevent the accumulation of dirt, etc., therein. By means of the foregoing, the building-up of back pressure is prevented. Thetubing is connected to the outlets Ill and II t by means of follower nuts ll. Flared male members l2 are formed within the bushing lit and the ends of the tubes are flared outwardly to engage the male projections l2. Follower nuts are threaded within the projections l3 and secure the flared extremities of the tubing to the members it.

With reference to the modification shown in Figure 7, the indicator mechanism of Figure l is replaced by an indicator mechanism employing a series of discs, as described hereinafter. this form, the piston id is not formed with the passages ll and it but is solid. Upon rupture of disc it, due to an excessive pressure within the container 5, the gas pressure within the valve body will exceed a predetermined maximum pressure which disc it is capable of withstanding. Disc it is seated by an apertured follower nut it and, when the disc it bursts the pressure of the medium is exerted upon a third disc iii which is seated by a nut 'li against a threaded extension E8 on the bonnet l6. Between the threaded extension is and the frangible disc lb, an apertured disc ll) is seated, a washer til serving to space the discs it and W.

It ispreferred that the outer face of disc it be painted a distinctive color in order that it may be visible when disc iii bursts. In this manner, bursting of discs it, it, and lit expose the outer face of indicator disc "it, thus indicating that the gas within container it has been accidentally released.

]From the foregoing, it will be apparent that a device has been provided for utilizing a medium to eflect the inflation of flotation bags for aeroplanes, means being provided for the release-of such bags prior to their inflation. By causing the catch for the indicating mechanism to be seated by the threads of the disc body, resetting of the indicating mechanism will require the taking down of the unit, at which time, a new charged container may be substituted for the exhausted one.

While the invention has been described with specific reference to the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited, save as defined in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A container for a medium under prezsure, means for maintaining the medium under pressure within the container, means for releasing the medium, an indicator, rotatable means for actuating the releasing means, a cam surface on the rotatable means, an indicator actuating means, a ball foot on the'last named means for engaging the cam surface, and means to urge the foot against the surface.

2. A container for a medium under pressure, means for maintaining the medium under pressure within the container, means for releasing the medium, an indicator, rotatable means for actuating the releasing means, a cam surface on the rotatable means, and means engaging the cam surface for actuating the indicator.

3. A container for a medium under pressure, a removable body on the container, means to release the medium from the container, an indicator, means to actuate the indicator upon release of the medium, and means maintained in operativeposition by the removable body for holdLng the indicator in position.

4. A container for a medium under pressure, a removable body on the container, means to release-the medium from the container, an indicator, means to actuate the indicatorupon release of the medium, a spring pressed detent, and means engaging the removable body to urge the detent against the indicator.

5. A container for a medium under pressure, a removable body on the container, means to release the medium from the container, an indicator, means to actuate the indicator upon release 01 the medium, and means engaged by the removable body to hold the indicator in an indicating position.

6. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator having an indicating and a non-indicating position, means to actuate the indicator upon release of the medium, the indicator being formed with a peripheral groove having rounded shoulders and a peripheral groove having angular shoulders, and yielding means to engage the grooves.

7. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator having an indicating and a non-indicating position, means to actuate the indicator upon release of the medium, the indicator being formed with peripheral grooves, and yielding means to engage the grooves.

8. A container for a medium under pressure, a d scharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator housing communicating with the container and discharge line, a cylinder in the housing, an axially movable indicator in the cylinder, axially movable means in the cylinder to actuate the indicator, said axially movable means preventing communication between the discharge line and container when in a normally unactuated position, means operated by the releasing means to actuate the axially movable means, means to urge the indicator and axially movable means into an unactuated position, said indicator being formed with an axial passage and said axially movable means being formed with a passage communicating with the last named passage and th container when the axially movable means is in its unactuated position.

9. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator housing communicating with the conainer and discharge line, a cylinder in the housing, an axially movable indicator in the cylinder, axially movable means in the cylinder to actuate the indicator, said axially movable means preventing communication between the discharge line and container when in a normally unactuated position, means operated by the releasing means to actuate the axially movable means, said indicator being formed with an axial passage, and said axially movable means being formed with a passage communicating with the last named passage and the container when the axially movable means is in its unactuated position.

10. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator housing communicating with the container and discharge line, a cylinder in the housing, an axially movable indicator in the cylinder, axially movable means in the cylinder to actuate the indicator, said axially movable means preventing communication between the discharge line and container when in a normally unactuated position, and means operated by the releasing means to actuate the axially movable means.

11. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator housing communicating with the container and discharge line, a cylinder in the hous-P ing, an axially movable indicator in the cylinder, axially movable means in the cylinder to actuate the indicator, and means operated by the releasing means to actuate the axially movable means.

12. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium. an indicator housing communicating with the container and discharge line, a cylinder in the housing, an axially movable indicator in the cylinder, and axially movable means in the cylinder to actuate the indicator.

13. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator housing communicating with the container and discharge line, a cylinder in the housing, an axially movable indicator in the cylinder, and means in the cylinder to actuate the indicator.

14. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator, an axially movable means for preventing the fiow of the released medium through the discharge line, means to mount the indicator and last named means whereby axial movement of the last named means actuates the indicator, the axially movable means being formed with ports todirect the discharged medium to the indicator, and the indicator being formed with a restricted passage.

15. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator, an axially movable means for preventing the flow of the released medium through the discharge line, means to mount the indicator and last named means whereby axial movement of the last named means actuates the indicator, the axially movable means being formed with ports to direct the discharged medium to the indicator, and the indicator being formed with a passage to cause the flow of the medium therethrough to actuate the same.

16. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator, an axially movable means for preventing the flow of the released medium through the discharge line, means to mount the indicator and last named means whereby axial movement of the last named means actuates the indicator, means to discharge the medium from the indicator, the axially movable means being formed with ports to direct the discharged medium to the indicator when the axially movable means is in a given position.

1'7. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator, an axially movable means for preventing the flow of the released medium through the discharge line, means to mount the indicator and last named means whereby axial movement of the last named means actuates the indicator, the axially movable means being formed with ports to direct the discharged medium to the indicator when the axially movable means is in a given position.

18. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator, means to actuate the indicator by pressure of the medium, axially movable means for preventing the flow of the released medium through the discharge line, and means to mount the indicator and .last named means whereby axial movement of-the last named means actuates the indicator.

iii

aud

id. A container tor a medi der pressure, a discharge line, eans to release the medi .1 u indicator, means to actuate the indicator by pressure oi the medium, means for preventing the iiow oi the released medi through the discharge line, and means for actuating thelast naed means and for actuating the indicator.

to. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator, means to actuate the indicator by pres sure of the medium, and mechanical means to 23. A container for a medium under pressure,

a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator, means to cause the released medium to actuate the indicator, means to prevent the flow oi the medium through the discharge line, and means actuated by the releasing mechanism to render the flow preventing means inoperative.

24. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, an indicator, axially movable means for preventing the flow oi the released medium through the discharge line, means to mount the indicator and last named means whereby axial movement of the last named means actuates the indicator, the axially movable means being formed with ports to direct the discharge medium to the indicator, and the indicator beingformed with a passage to permit the flow oi the medium therethrough when the indicator is actuated.

25. A container for a medium under pressure; a discharge line, means to release the medi upon the development oi a'predeteed excess pressure in the container, indicating means, and means to cause the indicating means to assume an indicating condition when the medi is released due to excess pressure.

26. A conter tor a pressure medium, a supply pipe adapted to receive the medium, means coupling thecontainer to the pipe, flow directing means associated with the coupling and movable to a position to direct the medi'into the supply pipe and a position to discharge the medi in a diderent path, means associated with the coupling for rele the medi in the container, and means ac uated by the releasing means to operate the flow directing means.

A7. A container for a pressure medi a. sup

ply pipe adapted to receive the medi, means into the atmosphere, ans for releasing themedi in the container, and l: e actuated by the last ed means for actuating the valve.

2t. A container for a pressure medium, a supply pipe adapted to receive the medium, means coupling the container to t pipe, a valve in the coupling movable to direct the medium into the pipe and movable to discharge the edi into the aosphere, me ior maintaining the valve normally in its position to discharge the medi into the atmosphere, means for relea the medium in the container, and means actuated by the last named means for moving the valve into its position to direct the medi .1 in; into the upp y p pe- 29. A container for a medium under pressure, means to release the medium upon development of a predetermined pressure, an indicator comprising a member forming a portion of the wall of a chber substantially closed ofl from the external atmosphere, the exposure of said member constituting the indication to be given, means normally concealing said member from observation, and a 1-. to conduct the medium into the said chamber upon its release under the predetermined pressure, the indicating means being rendered observable by the pressure introduced in said chamber.

30. A container for a medium under pressure, a discharge line, means to release the medium, reciprocatingly movable means for preventing the flow of the released medium through the discharge line when the medium is released due to excess pressure, said flow preventing means being rendered inedective when the medium is released by actuation of the means to release the medi.

31. A container for a medi under pressure, adiscrge line, means to release the medium. means ior preventing the flow oi the released medium through the discharge line when the medium is released due to excess pressure, said how preventing means being rendered inedective when the edium is released by actuation oi the means to release the medium.

32. A container tor a medium under pressure, a discrge line, means to release the medium, means for preventing the illow oi the released medi through the discharge line when the medium is released due to excess pressure,v and means to pet-the escape or the medium when released due to excess pressure, said how preventing me be 11-: g dered inedective and said escape petting means beingclosed ed when the medium is released by actuation of the means to release the medi 1 t ILA hit

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